Laird fires 63 to beat McIlroy by two strokes in Texas Open

BY ReutersApril 07. 2013 7:25PMScotland's Martin Laird outdueled Rory McIlroy with a spectacular final-round 63 to win the Texas Open by two shots over the world number two on Sunday.

Laird started the day five shots behind leader Billy Horschel but he vaulted into the mix with five birdies on his front nine. He added four more on the back to complete the bogey-free round nine-under and end the tournament at 14-under 274.

The victory brought Laird his first win on the PGA Tour in over two years and more importantly earned him an invitation to this week's Masters.

Northern Ireland's McIlroy, who entered the Texas Open at the last minute to shake off rust before the year's opening major, flirted with his first win of the season as he showed improved form with a six-under par 66 for a 276 total.

The 23-year-old twice pulled within a shot of the lead with birdies on 14 and 16, but Laird, playing a group in front of McIlroy, kept up the torrid pace and birdied holes 16, 17 and 18.

Overnight leader Horschel managed a one-under par 71 to finish three shots back at 277 along with Charley Hoffman (69) and Jim Furyk (69).